School Board Meeting October, 28 2025

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Highlander Highlights (Heights Herald and Journalism Awards)

Agenda approval, adjustments, and announcements

Communication to the board

Consent agenda (personnel/treasures reports)

Board activities reports

Superintendent report on 5D Plus teacher evaluation training

Community survey presentation by Morris Leatherman Company

Areas of Interest (5)

Columbia Heights school district eyes potential operating levy increase for 2026 amid projected state funding shortfalls.
Community survey shows 71-79% support for school tax increases, bucking typical resistance trends.
Student journalists at Heights Herald dominate state awards, winning multiple gold and first-place recognitions.
Union representative raises concerns regarding class sizes and English learner resources.
District implements 5D Plus, a new strengths-based evaluation system for administrators.

Votes (2)

Approve the agenda

CarriedUnanimous

Moved by Julie · Seconded by Jessica

Approve the consent agenda

CarriedUnanimous

Moved by Michelle · Seconded by Jessica

Notable Quotes (3)

The newspaper editorial cartoon got second place and photojournalism illustration got first place.
— Christian Pñena

Student AchievementDetailing student journalism award wins.

The purpose of the survey was to focus on a potential increase in the district's operating levy.
— Don Lifto

Operating LevyIntroducing the 2025 community survey data.

What's really what I've found really impressive about the new tool is that it requires administrators to take a strengths-based approach.
— Superintendent Stimbe

Education PolicyDiscussing the 5D Plus teacher evaluation system.

People (3)

Christian PñenaSports Editor

Heights Herald staff member presenting journalism awards.

1 quote

“Highlander News Network has gotten all state gold in the 2025 Minnesota State Journalism Award conferences”

Describing journalism achievements.

Don LiftoConsultant

Representing Morris Leatherman Company for community survey results.

1 quote

“71% support is higher than what we normally see at this point in a survey.”

Discussing operating levy support.

Superintendent StimbeSuperintendent

Reporting on staff professional development.

Places Mentioned

Columbia Heights Public Schools DistrictKiac ParkColumbia Academy

Events & Meetings (5)

October 28, 2025 - School Board Meeting
November 11, 2025 - 4:45 PM - Policy Subcommittee
November 11, 2025 - 5:00 PM - Community Engagement Subcommittee
November 11, 2025 - 6:00 PM - Regular School Board Meeting
November 18, 2025 - 5:30 PM - School Board Work Session

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